Pride of representing Bhutan in California.

BHUTAN, “Is it part of India or China, or is it somewhere in the African continent?” An

annoying question from people who do not have any idea about the existence of Bhutan on the
earth. Is Bhutan a happiest country in the world? An intimidating question from the people who
more or less know about the Bhutan. Our country’s presence is not at all known to many and
somewhat to very few. Therefore, what it meant to be a first Bhutanese to study in Claremont
colleges (five colleges including Pitzer college in Claremont city)?

Apart from vigorous and inclusive academic learnings, utilizing resourceful facilities,
encountering people from across the world, and travelling around the places, introducing and
representing our Country and College as one of the first Bhutanese to study at Pitzer, was one
proudest, fulfilling and memorable part of my exchange program. It truly was an honor and pride
just to say that “I am from Bhutan” and exchange or showcase our culture and values with
people from across the world. Wearing a gho on occasions, carrying Yathra (woolen) bag and
greeting people with kuzuzangpola became a magnet of social network where I could draw the
peoples’ attention and interest about Bhutan. In fact, many of them became my friends,
acquaintances and learners about Bhutan. Classmates in the classes, random people on the street,
friends and families at the meal table, sweepers on the pathways, chef and waiters in dining hall,
and officials and professional in the offices would inquire so many things about Bhutan and its
culture. However, of many I will share two interesting and memorable incidences from my diary
which I have written at some point of time.

First, it was on November 1st, on our His majesty’s coronation day, dressed in gho with
yathra bag hung over my shoulder, I was hurrying for a Buddhist meditation class at Pomona
college (one of the Claremont colleges), a man in fifties filled with passion and inquisitiveness
stopped me on the way and surprisingly greeted me, Kuzuzangpo la. According to him, he learns
and follows Bhutan through the channel of national geography, discovery and wonders list of
world of CNN channel. The surprising and funny thing was, during our conversation, he hugged
me tightly saying that he wanted to share happiness from me just because he views Bhutan as the
land of happiness. We talked about Bhutan for almost more than half an hour and eventually I
had to miss my class. However, that day was memorable and fulfilling.
 Another cherish-able incidence was during winter vacation, when I visited Norton Simon

museum in Pasadena city. Again I was in my gho walking majestically and looking carefully to

the portraits hung on the wall, at the front door of one compartments’ inside the museum, one

lady security guard stepped backward and saluted to me as soon as I entered through the door. It

was really awkward but I had to be serious and I uncomfortably bowed to her.

From such responses and reactions from the people, I realized sometimes you are not

recognized individually or of who you are. Rather you are recognized through where you are

from and who you represent and I think I represented Bhutan and its culture with much love and

pride. In fact, I would summarize my exchange program experience as mounting of patriotism

and spiritualism.

My answers to their questions of which I mentioned in the beginning:

1- ‘Do not ask me is Bhutan, a part of India or china, or somewhere in African continent?
just ask me where is Bhutan?’.
2- Bhutan is definitely …Ahmmm….not the happiest country in the world but we pursue
happiness.